Picture Credit: Twitter
The Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cricket teams paid tribute to former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds who tragically passed away in a car crash near Queensland. The two teams are playing the opening Test of the two-match series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. Players and fans at the stadium observed a minute of silence in memory of Symonds.
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening match of the series. The Lankans have had a decent start to their innings as they ended the first session at 73 for two. Opener Oshada Fernando scored 36 runs from 76 balls and is the top scorer so far while Karunaratne fell for just nine in 17 balls.
Notably, the sudden death of Andrew Symonds has shocked the entire sporting world. Cricket Australia chair Lachlan Henderson made a comment about Symonds’ death and said, “Australian cricket has lost another of its very best. Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia's success at World Cups and as part of Queensland's rich cricket history.”
“He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends. On behalf of Australian cricket, our deepest sympathies are with Andrew's family, teammates, and friends.”
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also posted a heartwarming message for Symonds that said, “Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia. We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family.“
As per the Queensland police, Symonds was in a single-car crash at about 10:30 pm. The two-time World Cup winner was driving on Hervey Range Road near the Alice River Bridge when his car left the road and rolled.
Symonds was an incredible player for Australia as averaged 40.61 with the bat from 26 Tests cricket. But he was perhaps a better white-ball cricketer with tormenting batting ability with sublime fielding anywhere on the field. He played in 198 ODIs where he scored six centuries and 30 half-centuries. He also took 133 wickets with his handy off-spin and medium pace.